Cost of Expectation

Expectation is troublesome.

It looks like hope, but before we notice, it begins to bind the heart.

Expectation easily becomes a restraint on action.

The stronger the wish of “I want this to happen,”

the more we fear failure, and the harder it becomes to move.

Expectation is also addictive.

We place our hearts in other people’s reactions, results, and evaluations,

and when they don’t come, disappointment follows.

Most of all, expectation weakens our judgment.

We stop seeing facts and start seeing wishes.

The moment expectation appears,

the world is no longer seen as it is,

but as how we want it to be.

That distortion creates fatigue and irritation.

Lately, I’ve found that life is easier without expectations.

I’m no longer tossed around by outcomes,

and emotional waves grow smaller.

Whether things go well or not,

I can receive them calmly, as they are.

Instead of expectation, I choose observation.

I look at what is happening,

and notice my own reactions.

If it feels necessary, I act.

If it feels wrong, I step away.

Living without expectation is not becoming cold.

It is a way of staying honest with reality.

Today again, observation over expectation.

Quietly, steadily, I live.